Panasonic launches DMC-3D1 compact camera for 3D and 2D images

Panasonic announces the Lumix 3D1, a twin lens 4x optical zoom compact camera that records 3D and 2D still images as well as 1080i HD video. The camera's dual 12MP 'High Sensitivity MOS' sensors are powered by a Venus Engine processor and allow the user to capture both 2D stills and HD video simultaneously, with each lens able to focus and zoom independently of one another. The 3D1 captures up to 8fps and features a 3.5" touchscreen. The MSRP is $499.99.

New LUMIX 3D1 Digital Camera Features Twin-Lens Design for capturing 3D Images, or to Shoot Video and Still Photos Simultaneously

SECAUCUS, NJ (November 7, 2011) – Panasonic today announced the LUMIX DMC-3D1, a cutting-edge digital camera that employs two newly-developed lens units with folded optics design in a stunningly compact body that can capture crisp and clear 3D and 2D photos and videos. The LUMIX 3D1, with a twin-lens design, features 25mm ultra-wide angle lenses with 4x optical zoom that offer the outstanding capability to record high resolution 8-megapixel 3D photo and 1920x1080 60i high quality 3D HD video using side-by-side method. The LUMIX 3D1’s optics give users a wider range of composition possibilities with approximately 169% larger viewing space compared to that of 35mm cameras.

Featuring a unique shooting option, the new twin-lens system allows the LUMIX 3D1 to capture 2D images and video simultaneously. The LUMIX 3D1 can shoot 12-megapixel 2D photos and record 1920x1080i full HD 2D videos. In conventional standard digital compact cameras, users must shoot in either photo or video mode and when photo mode is selected, video recording is interrupted. The twin-lens design of the LUMIX 3D1 breaks through these conventional barriers with two separate mechanisms for image capturing, allowing for dual shooting capabilities. Additionally, the two-lens design allows users to record photo or video in different angles of view simultaneously. For example, users can record an entire party scene with one lens while zooming in on and capturing the photo of a specific person with another lens. Users can easily switch between 2D and 3D mode with the dedicated 2D/3D switch conveniently located on the back of the camera.

“Panasonic continues to lead the industry in 3D entertainment, giving consumers the opportunity to create their own content and then view it within their homes, and the new LUMIX 3D1 is an innovative digital camera that excels with its 3D imaging technologies, but also offers outstanding 2D photo capture options,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With its twin-lens design, the LUMIX 3D1 can even shoot HD video through one lens and 2D photos from the other – thus getting still and moving content simultaneously, a unique shooting feature which Panasonic provides so users can stretch their creativity.”

The 12-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and the Venus Engine allow the LUMIX 3D1 to achieve high-quality images and easily process image sensitivity and speed. Multi-process Noise Reduction applies optimal noise reduction according to the brightness of different areas of an image, thus creating crisp and beautiful photos and videos. Both high frequency noise that occurs in the dark area, and low frequency noise in the light are of a photo are suppressed even though occurring simultaneously in a photo. As a result, images recorded in low-light situations are dramatically clear, even when recorded at a high ISO setting.

The LUMIX 3D1 boasts extremely fast consecutive shots at 8 fps (without auto focusing) and 4 fps (with auto focusing) in full resolution. Utilizing quad-CPUs the Venus Engine processes large amounts of 1920x1080i Full-HD data at high speeds in either AVCHD or MP4 formats. Although using two sets of lens units and sensors, energy consumption of Venus Engine stays minimized to maintain the camera’s battery life for as long as that of a single lens compact digital camera.

Though the LUMIX 3D1 utilizes advanced functions to shoot exciting 3D and 2D content, it is easy enough for anyone to shoot beautiful 2D photo and videos using iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. iA mode combines a suite of functions to help users achieve the perfect shots, including: MEGA O.I.S, AF Tracking, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition and Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Exposure and Intelligent Handheld Nightshot, which generates beautiful night scenery with illumination by layering multiple images shot consecutively, allowing bright, glamorous night scenery to be recorded without using a tripod. The LUMIX 3D1 features a large 3.5-inch Smart Touch screen on the camera’s back which allows users to easily move through camera functions and recorded photos and videos.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-3D1 will be available in December 2011 for a suggested retail price of $499.99. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

* To obtain 2D while shooting 3D, one gets merely half the side-by-side resolution, or an independent 1920x1080 resolution.* Optical zoom can be used while shooting video in 3D.* Independent zoom or focus of the two lenses is possible only in 2D, but still involves creation of two side-by-side images at half resolution.* 3D displays will acquire sufficient market share to make creation and distribution of 3D content worthwhile.

It would be nice if all 3D content could be displayed, retro-compabibly, on 2D systems either as 2D or red-cyan 3D, without need for special firmware or players, but I am unaware of a specific software or firmware to enable existing 2D displays to do this automatically with a 3D file.

Cool. I wanted the Fuji one but didn't want to buy without seeing it in action as it was fairly pricey and I've never used a 3d screen before.

I suspect it will take me a few years to replace the TV/monitor with a 3D one but it's nice to know you can shoot 3D without a 3d screen on the camera (for hopefully lower cost & price) or all the gubbins of a 2 camera setup.

Really? In Australia the exclusive retailer is clearing them out because they didn't sell, like HP Touchpad firesale cheap and still they sit in those bargain bins. I bought one and enjoy it's novelty, but big seller they are not.

They are assuming that most people will be taking photos/video, especially in stereo, of subjects that are around five to ten feet away. Such as a group portrait of some freinds or pics of your kids at the park etc. Anything beyond twenty feet will lose the effect. This camera was not designed for taking grand vistas in stereo. Like most compact consumer cameras it is meant to capture everyday moments at a relatively close range.

f8pc shows his lack of knowledge or understanding of 3D. Matthew is correct... you need a small IA if you want to take images of things that are close. The Fuji W1/W3 had a large IA that was good for vistas but not so useful for images of people close to the camera. Also f8pc and others who dismiss 3D as a gimmick follow the same narrow mindset that also dismissed the telephone, colour TV, automobile and many other inventions as gimmicks.

Have a look at the samples from my LG Thrill in the 3d & stereo photography forum. The interaxial distance for this phone is less than the Panasonic DMC-3D1. I find the Fuji lenses too far apart for close up photography.